Hogmanay Torchlight Parade, Biggar, a photo from South Lanarkshire, Scotland

Photographer's Note

Happy New Year 2012 to All on TE!

Another picture from last night's "Hogmanay" celebrations in the little town of Biggar. Here, the torchlight parade through the town takes place around about 9 p.m. on the last day of the old year prior to the lighting of the Bonfire in the middle of the High Street by the oldest citizen in the town, a tradition which has gone on for centuries.

For those unfamiliar with the term "Hogmanay", it is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year (Gregorian calendar) in the Scottish manner. The etymology of the word is obscure. The three main theories derive it either from a French, Norse or a Goidelic root and you can read about them here on Wikipedia, though the "Undiscovered Scotland" website suggests Norse origins as you can read here.

Shot in RAW and converted and edited in PSE9.

saxo042, bayno, annjackman, agjika, RhodieIke has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

saxo042 (31792) 2012-01-01 8:13

Hi John,
An interesting view! The note and all your links are even more interesting. The weather looks very pleasant and warm and it is very obvious that people are enjoying themselves here!
Once more, Happy New Year
Gunnar

bayno (16141) 2012-01-01 12:27

Hi John, another beautiful image of this great event that you do there in Scotland, very interesting note, people seem very serious and concentrated, lovely warm tones, warm regards, Valter

annjackman (13177) 2012-01-01 12:46

Hello John,
This looks great fun. I see that you were using a very high iso setting with success. You have captured the parade very well and explained it thoroughly in your note - a great festive moment.
I have been persuaded to start using a tripod (particularly for our trip to Yellowstone in 3 weeks) so Santa bought me a light weight one! Not sure that I will carry it much in the UK unless I have the time to set it up for landscapes etc.
Have a great 2012,
Best wishes, Ann

emka (58024) 2012-01-01 13:30

Hi John,

Such a torch parade is challenging for a photographer. I saw similar festival in Japan and the task was too difficult for me. Excellent composition and sharpness. Attractive view.

WArm regards and HNY

Malgo

agjika (4001) 2012-01-02 7:22

Hi John,
Lovely shot and a very informative note. Seems to me like the vikings still live on in the north of the British Isles!

You have got to love the iso6400 without it you would have not shot.

Thanks for sharing

Aleks

RhodieIke (9207) 2012-01-02 13:30

Hi John, Happy new year to you and your family. Sorry for the late response(I sound like Takero, ha ha) been busy with friends and family. Great photo of this Hogmanay procession, you have captured the atmosphere well, especially on the move and hustle and bustle. Santa and birthday press'y were kind to me, and have a fantastic Manfrotto Tripod and Giottos ball head, splendid bit of kit, agree what you were saying to Ann. Tried it today Wells by the sea Norfolk, night shot disappointed by the results, lots to learn in Raw, manual and AV settings, but will get their. Any-way thanks for all your critiques, Cheers Iain.

Glint (5569) 2012-01-02 13:59

hello John,
this is good. Ecellent composiiton with the strong diagonal line given by the torch.Is that John Prescott I see as the bearer! Surely not.
Excellent light managemnet. Bags o f atmosphere.
All the best for the New Year.
Bev